Misty Copeland on ballet, racism, and her historic career | BBC News

The BBC’s Katty Kay travels to New York City to meet Misty Copeland, the iconic ballerina who became the first African-American woman to achieve the role of Principal Dancer at the American Ballet Theatre.
They spoke on stage at Lincoln Center about Copeland’s status as a trailblazer, how she copes with injuries and setbacks, racism, and what she hopes to achieve in the next phase of her career.
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[@Greatful0374]

Well said Misty! I’m proud that you have found your full voice. Call it out 💯

[@jonnarobinson7541]

I used to teach and be involved in the ballet world. I have met Misty several times and she is a gracious, charming young woman. My favorite dance company is Alvin Ailey, a primarily black company with both balletic, African, and modern techniques. Misty has been plagued with injuries throughout her career. I hope she is able to make a comeback.

[@argeliasilvasierra949]

I strongly dislike the interviewer. Talking too much about herself and making awful questions about age ; terrible reporter Misty simply magnificent

[@brookebyrne6615]

Age is a factor in ballet. Many dancers have retired by 35 due to injuries or schefule. She's 40 with retirement more imminent than not so talking about age is a given.

[@renee3949]

I believe she wishes she had the ballet career Misty has experienced.

[@ortem000]

Agreed. She was like a selfish soccer mom who doesn't get out much. I'm sorry Misty had to deal with this.

[@lemostjoyousrenegade]

🎯Sounds like she was trying to make Misty feel uncomfortable or bad about no longer being in her 20’s…like she wanted her to have regrets and to not enjoy her life just as it is in the present (although she definitely seems quite happy/content). Haters are just going to hate and act like kare-nz towards the exceptionally talented, intelligent and good-looking Black Americans that (secretly) admire and by whom they feel inferior/intimidated. Full stop.

[@k-qp2nv]

I am yt and agree with you ugh the karen interviewer​@@lemostjoyousrenegade

[@jaanireel]

00:06 Standing in first position helps to maintain good posture and balance. 02:10 Coping with injuries and body changes in ballet at 40 04:21 Misty Copeland finds comfort and fulfillment in the natural evolution of her career beyond ballet. 06:43 Ballet was a stable escape and discipline for Misty Copeland 09:00 Misty Copeland faced challenges navigating the professional ballet space as a young, isolated dancer. 11:13 The struggle for black and brown dancers in ballet 13:29 Fighting for diversity and change in ballet 15:55 Speaking up about racism in ballet and the need for evolution 17:56 Misty Copeland's experience performing at Lincoln Center 19:57 Misty Copeland's journey to becoming a principal dancer at 29. 22:02 Misty Copeland expresses gratitude

[@v_nicole]

So the interviewer is just going to keep going back to negative questions? This is annoying and off putting. Misty did a great job speaking her truth and maintaining her composure.

[@ballerinagirl84]

Forever grateful for this woman. ❤️💚💜

[@ortem000]

The gracious Goddess. We are so lucky to have Misty in this world.

[@brookeperk93]

She’s such a class act an a one of a kind dancer !❤

[@paulharvey2396]

God bless you Misty Copeland and family amen Please prosper and succeed in your good work!

[@keelhe893]

Misty is an intelligent and beautiful woman. The strength in her legs while she sits in her heels is just awe inspiring

[@GottaDance56]

So happy I saw her dance Swan Lake. I know nothing about ballet, but it was obvious that she had magic.

[@user-es1db4py6c]

Did she manage the fouettés? 😂

[@thegladreport]

What an elegant and excellent interview ✨ Misty is so graceful 💕

[@BlueGirl-wo1xv]

Love her! I never paid much attention to ballet, and I happened to come across her autobiography several years ago, read it, and have been a fan since. I pray all the best for her and her endeavors!

[@kaylorado]

She is so well spoken and beautiful

[@sunitathind8440]

Beautiful and talented trailblazer ❤

[@nappyqueen86]

You’re such an inspiration Misty! We love you and will always remember your legacy.

[@persephonebrown7877]

Ms. Copeland, you make us so proud and are a wonderful inspiration to us ALL!

[@jamesfrearson9630]

Misty is A-mazing.

[@julieb7785]

Sorry, the interviewer is just too ...goofy and giddy. Copeland is an intellectual and she should be interviewed accordingly.

[@ortem000]

This friend. This.

[@belmont8792]

Barbra Streisand is just now taking the time to enjoy her life at 81. Too many people are overwhelmed with work and need to have some type of hobby.

[@HonestLeighSpeaking]

She is a wonderful, talented, beautiful breath of Melanated, fresh air!

[@phinesdaughter1737]

I'm very glad she was comfortable saying that it's easier for a lighter skinned black woman ❤️

[@lazarocedeno5270]

Misty, I adore you. You are a living Goddess.

[@lynettestewart9142]

She does not have to wonder at all. She is where she is due to her TALENT. She had to have an abundance of it to get where she is!

[@studyhardplayhard5086]

Her talent? Absolutely not. She was promoted based on a business decsion. You clearly don't understand the politics that plague the professional ballet world. If you want to see a black ballerina with REAL talent, search: Coco Lavine, Michaela DePrince and India Bradley. Coco Lavine should have been (and was supposed to have been) promoted over Misty. But because of Misty's constant racism accusations (and having a good publicist), ABT promoted her instead of Coco. Misty cannot even finish the black swan coda in Swan Lake. She is incapable of the required 32 fouttes, so they plug in pique turns. Its ridiculously sad. Don't fall for her facade. She's a business woman. Plain and simple.

[@antoniareviews]

Love the performances she did with Prince

[@pimpalola]

Yes, she was great. Unfortunately, she went on with ballet...

[@Viadiroma]

Wow! Misty Copeland is an extraordinary human being.

[@vonnetta975]

Misty is a beautiful and talented lady. I agree that Misty is a class act. The best to her. We thank you for speaking out. Thank God for you.

[@marysullivan2125]

Dear God! All this negativity, peevishness, criticism, contempt for an undoubtedly talented woman whose work has probably never been seen by these bitter commenters. How would you know what her life was like? You don’t think she experienced racism - she still is - from you!

[@MrLuis85698]

she is not talented, at least not at the level many other women are or have been, she got teh spotlight because of her race and thats too bad.

[@AA-cm3pd]

So graceful. What an inspiration.

[@milescarrott]

I love Misty and look up to her for my career a lot❤️really amazing to see her in BBC⭐️

[@TheJillscott1]

That was beautiful to watch ❤

[@CarolineOceanaRyan999]

Ms Copeland is such an astounding human being. She is one in a billion. Lovely interview, thank you! #MistyCopelandPower #ABT

[@111lexa1]

I appreciate everything she is saying, ballet is definitely brutal and harmful to a lot of people. My friend who was white was not encouraged to dance because she had a DD chest. She was rail thin but of course too busty. They shamed her even though she was white. I can see and understand everything she is saying but we can’t pretend every white person comes in the same size. Some have big butts and breasts too and are shamed repeatedly and discouraged from dancing.

[@primalcritters]

I agree. She's a lovely woman I adore her personally but I do not care for her technique I much prefer the Russian style and dancers. That said, ballet is brutal no matter what color you are and I know many white girls that could not dance because they were rail thin as you said but had a large chest, or were too muscular in body type. I will be honest, when it comes to body type I do like the dancers to be very very thin because it's an aesthetic and it creates beautiful lines.. as for darker-skinned dancers, I would not have a problem with it at all as long as they had great technique and beautiful body lines. I have seen some young girls and yes they are usually biracial lighter skin black girls and they are gorgeous with their slender bodies and long legs. Unfortunately these girls were at the master ballet academy and I don't think they will ever be at the level of the best of the best.

[@princessigbo2631]

@@primalcrittersDisagreed. “Very thin” women are not the only ones with beautiful lines. Now git!

[@Smielyb2000]

Beautiful interview and a beautiful soul.

[@user-ii7th5qk4h]

Great interview. Amazing conversation. Both did a fantastic job (not interrupting, encompassing, relevant and informative). You get know Misty Copeland not just Misty the Ballerina.

[@rosettawilliams3408]

Every interview with Misty Copeland always centers on the hardships of being a black ballerina in the white world of ballet. She is a principal dancer because of her intelligence, talent, and skills. She has so much more to present going forward in her future. Continued success forever.

[@TheBritishActingCoach]

Oh I just love her. Such a graceful person as well as dancer. Huge fan. Lovely conversation, thank you. Ballet for me meant and still means the same. I've been loving training again! Good luck to you Misty

[@CLNPG]

💐💐💐💐💐 for Misty

[@megdreifuss6435]

Wonderful interview!

[@DLNorG]

My favorite ballerina.

[@aportgirl]

Misty you are a marvel!

[@autumnof1992]

Misty inspires me to be the best version of myself.

[@micacam2684]

Warrior and champion! So elegant! ❤❤❤

[@yasmingbrock9530]

Thank you Misty Copeland for daring to say what so many won't - the professional ballet sector is indeed riddled with systemic racism and colourism. Yes that's right folks in 2024 many white ballet company directors still won't hire dark-brown or black ballet dancers (especially if they're females) because they dont want dark skin interupting their rows of homogenous, white conformity. Misty and a few others are the exception rather than the rule where diversity is concerned, in most orthodox ballet companies The BBC should really do some investigative journalism on this issue. A case in point is Mr David Hallberg, former ABT dancer & current artistic director of The Australian Ballet. Although he hails from America, a nation which produces excellent African American and other BIPoC ballet talent, he hasn't hired a single black or dark skinned classical dancer, guest artist, repetiteur or choreographer from his nation. If that isn't 1930's gate keeping, I dont know what is! It's really quite disgraceful!

[@user-es1db4py6c]

Of course it could be argued that it's cultural appropriation...😂. Or does that only work in one direction? Seriously, Misty herself admits she's not the best ballet dancer. There are plenty dancers of all ethnicities who are better. She was in the right place, right time and ABT were desperate to prove that it wasn't 'racist'

[@yasmingbrock9530]

@@user-es1db4py6c from what I understand cultural appropriation tends to be endemic where a dominant culture rips-off the culture of an ethnic minority or lesser power and pretends it was their practice in the first place. But if you're adamant it has to work both ways so be it! Let's see more minority cultures appropriate and claim ballet as their own, just to restore some balance after 200-300 years of western imperialism and appropriation of everything from yoga & curry to jazz & hip-hop shall we?!!! Sounds fair enough to me.😝 Moving along, yes I've heard Misty admit she doesn't deem herself the greatest classical technician, which I think is quite humble and noble of her. However even if she isn't the greatest technician that ever lived, she's still highly competent. She also has artistry and expressive qualities that allow her to deliver captivating performances loved by many. Now of course if you're only into the angular spectacle and 185° extensions of Guillem, Zacharova and Somova etc then of course you won't be satisfied with dancers like Copeland, Peck and Hayward etc whose strengths are more evident in terms of their musicality, artistry and expression. Personally I prefer the latter as the former too often remind me of emaciated rhythmic gymnasts - as technically brilliant as they might be. Respect all of them of course, I just have different aesthetic preferences. Interesting that you want to see the best black runners in the world. That's laudable. I happen to want to see the best BIPoC ballet dancers in the world only the white American who runs the national ballet company where I live won't let them in. Perhaps you and he share the opinion that white ballet dancers are the best on the planet?!! I happen to strongly disagree as do others!!!

[@azillliasmith2734]

Why don't black people start ballet companies.....

[@lemostjoyousrenegade]

They HAVE!

[@lemostjoyousrenegade]

🎯 I SO appreciate you for your comments! The racist trolls need to lift their veils of delusion, their delusions of grandeur. It’s extremely apparent how jealous of Misty they are. I get it! Some people simply cannot handle seeing Black Americans shine in all of their glory - exuding such class, professionalism, grace, talent and maintaining composure when constantly being bullied by a passive-aggressive interviewer. They cannot get over Misty’s inner and outer beauty, her intelligence (mental and emotional), her integrity and upstanding character as well as her love for her self and for Black people…they especially resent her for calling out racist practices. Much love to you from San Francisco! ♥️🌉 💫

[@emem2863]

Wow. There are a lot of racist haters in these comments. Lol. The interviewer asked predictable questions that have been asked of Misty multiple times before. I like that Misty acknowledged that many of the black and brown dancers, including herself, who make it have fair skin because they blend in easily. She seems to be self-aware and knows that she has to evolve from being just a dancer.

[@primalcritters]

I appreciate your comments. I would like to add ballet is brutal and you do know that many white dancers are also brutally shamed if they have a large chest, are of a thicker build, etc. Even if they are real thin and have big breasts they will be told they cannot dance. It is an aesthetic. I have never seen a very dark skinned ballerina but if she had excellent lines, beautiful form, then I think it would be beautiful to see her. I never cared for Misty because I don't like her body lines and I don't like her technique I prefer the Russians. I adore her as a human being and thinks she's a brilliant and graceful woman. But when it comes to ballet, have high expectations and I have yet to see ANY American dancer that truly impresses me.

[@emem2863]

@primalcritters I'm not arguing with you. Just want to make that clear. 🙂 I agree with you about body type. Ballet wants dancers to be homogeneous, which would make it hard for any dancers with medium dark brown or darker skin to make it big in ballet. It's an old art form so I understand the unwillingness to change, but in a place like America that has a much more racially diverse population than old-school ballet countries like Russia, this homogeneity will need to change to keep ballet relevant. As long as a dancer's body doesn't interfere with the job, being muscular or brown should not be disqualifiers.

[@djr7144]

@@emem2863 I don’t think the ballet world is as racist as Misty claims. But if you don’t have the right body type it will be difficult. Most companies don’t like to see muscle and big breasts and curves on a ballerina. Unfortunately many black women have this genetic. Why do you think black men have an easier time getting into ballet companies and landing principal roles? Because men can be athletic, and don’t have to be model thin.

[@emem2863]

@@djr7144 Misty has no reason to lie, and plenty of others have had similar experiences. It's an old art form that doesn't want to change. Racism may not be the reason, but it's the result. The same thing applies to wanting very thin women with flat chests.

[@djr7144]

@@emem2863 Misty is also very light complexion for a black woman. She is not dark skinned. I just hate that she brings up her race as if it’s the only barrier she has for ballet. She’s principal of ABT what more can she ask for? By the way, I am a brown skin person of color as well. I know what racism looks like. And ballet at least in America, is far more inclusive and diverse than many other artistic fields. Such as professional symphony orchestras.

[@Tubulous123]

Thank you!!!

[@Stringer710]

Shame on you for blocking comments on Epstein.

[@user-wq6sz7vt3w]

So many BBC boxes ticked!

[@laizagomez1184]

You are so amazing Misty! ❤

[@sirgonzoofrotherham236]

The fawning over each other tells the whole story.

[@azillliasmith2734]

Totally🙄....

[@DrShephard]

She's great.

[@flowers4hunters]

Thank You Misty❤

[@Bailey2006a]

Happy to see the interviewer doing a quite credible job asking questions that evoke interesting responses . Frankly, her talents are wasted on MSNBC where she compromises her journalistic integrity with every appearance on their execrable morning show. As for Misty , she is the quintessence of grace and a wonderful exemplar for so many Black girls interested in classical dance. A national treasure., indeed.

[@tullulah5294]

Ohh omg what kind of question are theese ??????? She is in a completely different stage of her life !!!!! Lady interviwer, pleaseeeee Wtf???

[@b.visconti1765]

She's Amazing! To think one so young was the first..Cant get my head around there not being someone before her..keep on being first❤🙏

[@Homerun153]

Let's not forget Native American ballet dancers - yes, there have been such ballet dancers, and people should do some research. Such a shame Dance Theatre of Harlem is not going now. They were wonderful, as is the school.

[@yasmingbrock9530]

Yes there should be more representation of different BIPoC in ballet in general! Btw Dance Theatre of Harlem is still going strong!!!!!! One of their dancers just performed a guest role with NYCB last December!!! She was one of two black dancers to dance the role of Dewdrop in the Nutcracker. First time in the NYCB'S 75 year history!

[@Homerun153]

Thank you for that - good to hear. I am thousands of miles away, unfortunately.

[@yasmingbrock9530]

@@Homerun153 Understand. I am a former contemporary-ballet dancer of mixed race who performed in Britain and America. I returned to my hometown of Sydney, Australia some years ago. Unfortunately The Australian Ballet is now directed by a white American who hasn't yet hired a single BIPoC American classical dancer, guest artist, repetiteur or choreographer, despite him knowing many. He's been in the job three years. I'm afraid systemic racism is endemic in the traditional ballet world and to some extent, the rest of the concert dance industry too. It will probably take decades before this changes. As more BIPoC dancers rise through the ranks, this should help but the white ballet establishment is in urgent need of a broader education, whilst white directors who engage in colourist hiring practices, really ought to be held to account. Other corporations wouldn't dare conduct themselves like this in 2024!!!!

[@Maspets]

@@yasmingbrock9530 Explain what "many" is. Give me a range. 4? 25? Give a number of these exceptional black dancers who are obvious choices above the rest and clearly being snubbed.

[@yasmingbrock9530]

​​@@Maspets Some ballet company directors are so racist they can't even bring themselves to employ one black dancer, nevermind several. So to answer your question more directly, the answer is: directors should hire more than none! Fortunately there are brilliant Black/BiPoC dancers employed by more progressive companies at national and state level. Some of these include, NYCB, ABT, The Royal Ballet, English National, Royal Birmingham Ballet, Houston Ballet, Johannesburg Ballet, Pacific Northwest and of course Dance Theatre of Harlem & Ballet Black etc. So clearly there are 'many' or at least a significant number of elite BIPoC dancers out there. Feel free to go & count them all if that's your preference. The snubbing occurs behind closed doors where less progressive directors choose NOT to hire ballerinas with dark skin. The evidence of their prejudice is laughably obvious in their homogeneous rows of white & near white swans!!!🧐🤣🙄

[@brendastevens9077]

Love You Misty.🤗💝💝💝

[@clownbasher2911]

#NoSanePersonCares

[@Didi24689]

So poised and elegant! 💕

[@laurentsw1]

😊a perfect start to 2024

[@ilenebrooks1814]

🙏🙏❤❤❤

[@rebekahlittle2131]

❤

[@taneil408]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ipt3000]

Misty is such a charm but I tell you she should be a lot more angry about the Firebird nonsense because that was complete exploitation trying to present her as strong warrior like black woman as this big deal instead of creating a ballet on her that actually fit her - because I guess a black ballerina just can’t be pretty and lovely and soft as Misty most certainly is !!! They shopped the pictures at the med. They made all of her muscles look extremely chiseled even though that’s not what she looks like in real life they darkened her skin - and she’s been suffering ever since and honestly they should be held liable because they knew her strength and her weaknesses, and they knew that choreography was going to too demanding on her. They knew the risk and they allowed it to happen, and for me it’s one of the most disappointing things that ABT has ever done because they had such a beautiful talent in her and they should’ve created something equally beautiful for her that would not have hurt her, and they should’ve listened and she should’ve felt more empowered, but they were basically throwing this at her as one of these Things where it’s like well you better live up to this or you might not go forward.

[@clandeszipp4564]

She's so brave!

[@public.public]

Yes she fights in trenches against the Russian invasion... errrr

[@kingofherosking3510]

And privilege who don't have to ration their food or think how to fuck trying to surviving winter.

[@metalicminer6231]

Get a real job

[@patriciasanderson2171]

That word is bandied around to much these days.

[@Unapologetically_Masculine]

What makes her brave? I don’t understand.

[@lemostjoyousrenegade]

What a silly question: “ You’re going to forgive your body for not being what it was at 20?” The interviewer was projecting and is clearly jealous of Misty’s utterly feminine and beautiful 40-year-YOUNG and petite physique and her incredible gracefulness - her elegant carriage as well as her composure when dealing with such an uncouth interviewer.

[@kdub10009]

“When Misty was first promoted to the rank of soloist, she boasted to the media that she was the first black female soloist at American Ballet Theatre. She told Jim Farber at the LA Daily News “They’ve never had a black woman make it past the corps.” When Farber spoke to Kevin McKenzie [ABT’s artistic director at the time] for the same article, McKenzie didn’t correct the misinformation that Misty was promoting. He didn’t mention any of the black women soloists who came before Misty and helped to open the door for her: Anne Benna Sims, Nora Kimball, or Shelley Washington. Misty writes about getting her soloist contract: “If this could open doors for black women in ballet, that would mean the world to me” but she pays no homage to the ABT black soloists who came before her and helped open the doors for her. She doesn’t even mention their names. It’s as though she begrudges those who came before her and is massaging her message while hoping to make people think of her as the original trailblazer, the real game-changer, which she is not. Despite believing and promoting herself as the first black female soloist when she got her contract, her now-published memory of those events has been carefully scrubbed in the memoir to say she recalls thinking at the time how great it was going to be to be the first black female soloist in twenty years - not necessarily the first. Why didn't she tell the truth and credit those who came before her? Throughout this memoir, Misty claims time and time again that she has encountered racism in ballet but offers not a shred of evidence. She attributes her internal disarray, insecurities, and her failures to win whatever she desired to others’ racial prejudices. It is all such a crock of self-obsessed self-victimization.” haglundsheel.typepad.com/haglunds_heel/2014/03/misty-copeland-life-in-motion-an-unlikely-ballerina.html

[@4twesley]

It's her story. Not your, not mine. I'm sure she has encountered racism. You may not know what that feels like. I hate when people say, where is the evidence? Try being black and that's all the evidence you need. Are you black? If not, please be quiet. 😬😡

[@____Ga]

It is depressing that the discussion is focused on ethnicity, being unpriveledged, injured and stripped off opportunities. There is very little about art, ballet and interaction with audience :(.

[@patriciasanderson2171]

We live in an age where “victimhood” is trendy. Most sople have some adversity, I don’t tell people about my health conditions every two seconds as I don’t want it to define me.

[@____Ga]

@user-Mimi_622 She is still very privileged that she could study ballet and was supported by her family and the community. I think you need to focus on history of ballet as it is an European art and was practised and developed by Europeans.

[@CheyanneLeeHunt]

@@____Ga Really it was the interviewer that kept asking her those questions. She geared the conversation in that direction.

[@LivingWordCDs]

Beautiful 💖

[@rmereh]

In general, I'd like to watch Misty talk about her experience with racism with a black or brown interveiwer. I'd like to feel that she is completely comfortable sharing her experience, and I think that would be enhanced with someone who likely can relate on some level.

[@heartdawg]

🙄

[@cece121234]

Love misty! The interviewers audio is pretty bad, did they botch her mic? Misty's words are so clear and enunciated. She looks so much better next to the interviewer. Maybe that's what they were going for?

[@hrz3711]

One gets the impression the interviewer Katty Kay tries to discourage Misty Copeland. I don`t like this style of talking which one finds too often between women and in this case was initiated and enforced by a professional interviewer! And whoever knows only a tiny bit of ballet knows that pain is a day to day reality for a dancer and should not be the topic of an interview that is described with the topics ballet, racism and an accomplished ballet dancer`s career !

[@ChrisBronson-gn5yd]

🔥🕊️🔥 🌟😏🌟 ⚡💞⚡ U are Phenomenal, Incredible, Amazing & HUMBLE !!! 💥💐💥

[@redbunnytail9528]

I remember knowing all the 'over achiever' type girls, in high school. And they all spoke the way Misty speaks, until they leave for the elite college, they got into. Then they different. Like. They dreams of themselves not happening. OR. They not right bout themselves, and they get exposed for being something 'less' than they expect. So. Sound of Misty's voice, it sound different, cuz she 40. You know? SHE the dream. I been waiting for a chance to know more about Misty Copeland. though not really into ballet. This a great interview.

[@emotivelyy_]

This is all the BBC is focused on!

[@jeromepeterson7150]

Excellence!!!

[@edwinbonner2957]

She favors Katarina Witt

[@cassiedeehoo]

It’s like the same story over and over again but this time with ballet. That’s why I often groups different groups. Wanted to keep it homogenous otherwise they have to what. They have to deal with this over and over again. It would be like if you took different African tribes or Siberian tribes, and you swap out tribe, members and put them in different tribes. And then the problems start etc. etc. And I guess it only matters if it’s a certain people experiencing racism I mean there’s all kinds of hatred in the world people hating on people because of other things but it only counts it was like this right

[@wildoceanappaloosawomangay2535]

I wouldn’t say she was brave She’s extraordinarily talented and hard-working The companies WANTED her, she didn’t have to break down barriers 🤷🏿‍♀️

[@public.public]

The BBC has lost the news again.

[@nicholasgerrish6022]

Yes, but how good a Ballerina was she? As a late starter, she plainly had talent, but 13 is very late to start, and possibly a little too late to really manifest oneself in a such a career. However, she is certainly a great self publicist!

[@LisaMichele]

She's a very good dancer

[@princessigbo2631]

She’s EXCELLENT that’s why media come to HER. What else you got? Now git!

[@nicholasgerrish6022]

@@princessigbo2631 Well, there you go…. She’s a great self publicist! No doubt about that.

[@alenagonzales9489]

@@LisaMichele Not great in classical ballet. Jumps were not high enough and also heavy. The fact that she started late certainly shows. Undeniably talented and great at contemporary dance, but doesn’t come close to the greats like Fonteyn, Pavlova, Lopatkina, Nunez, Zacharova. Even without any ballet knowledge you can tell the difference when watching the comparison videos. Not even close.

[@bo2.4u6]

Two (2) Words " EPIC GENETICS" is what so many of us have had to deal with. ❤

[@Mezbourian]

I can't believe she is wearing those shoes! You would think her feet needed a break.

[@Mezbourian]

And I don't mean this as criticism at all. I wonder if after being on point so much, these are comfortable for a ballerina.

[@RockyScience]

Because heels visually elongated the legs and her legs are really short for a normal woman, let alone a ballet dancer. Just compare with the interviewer.

[@lemostjoyousrenegade]

Misty has high arches. Besides she has not be overworking herself in the studio for a while now (probably since 2019).

[@happyjonn9242]

who?

[@andromedapeters772]

I can’t easy to watch this! I love Misty! 🤍

[@surgedeb]

❤‼️🩰

[@karenkaren3189]

I think she is a very good dancer but not a great ballet dancer. She started at 13, which is very late in the ballet world. The dancers who start earlier just have something in their bodies that those who start late don’t have. She worked immensely hard to get where she’s at but I think if she was white she would have reached the rank of soloist ( basically in between the corps de ballet and principal). She deserves respect for her hard work and admiration for her dancing. However if one really knows what great ballet dancing looks like, she is one step back from it. Ballet fan

[@jeromepeterson7150]

Wow.... and yet those who are the gatekeepers disagree with you. Maybe that's why you're just a "fan" and not a Gatekeeper "Karen" n'est pas?

[@lynwill9946]

Interesting comment. I assume the original poster is a ballet dancer ….👀👀

[@porsharobinson463]

You’re a fan and not a dancer or former dancer. I smell jealousy

[@moiraruff3292]

She wasn't the first black principal dancer in a company, only with ABT. E.g. Lauren Anderson was a principal with Houston Ballet from 1990 and danced for a while with Carlos Acosta. She also is not the only one to come to ballet late. She was good, but not that good - there are a number of videos that show versions simplified/adapted for her. So the poster is stating it as it is. She had charisma and courage and you can't take that away from her.

[@jonnarobinson7541]

You are correct.

[@directorytaliwag4100]

I believe these companies actually WANT darker skinned dancers. If audience cannot discern between white or light skinned black, what a wasted message of inclusion.

[@cynthiawrightrealtor4777]

Katty's questions as simple and boring

[@officialdanceday]

But Ballet dancers are not usually muscular. There was a documentary in Vaganova where they audition children, and they said the same thing to the child that was obviously more athletic and muscular than the rest. So it is not racist, traditionally ballet does have a body type and that is just that. I think it's very important not to take things personally or read things more than it is. Because Japanese, Chinese is also one in the entire company but we never say it's racism.

[@user-es1db4py6c]

Racism? 😂. Positive discrimination more like! Plenty of superior dancers to Misty, regardless of their skin colour. Her physique and injury rate is indicative of incorrect technique

[@specialagent412]

Love Misty. Was very happy to click on this but this interviewer...I cant even finish watching. She is messy.

[@lemostjoyousrenegade]

🎯Right?! The interviewer was downright NASTY! So insanely jealous! That’s why most Black ballerinas are not given opportunities to dance in their (mostly white) companies. Institutionalized racism is still prevalent, sadly. Let them tell it: they “don’t see colour.” Biggest lie ever told, mate!

[@Andrea-jr6xr]

❤💐💐💐🏈☮️🍷🧘❤

[@cheriestolze]

Michael Brown 9 August 2014

[@VSFTY]

Full of microaggressions whether the interviewer knew it or not. Why do you think you're influential??? 🙃😶 Misty is a lady! That's for sure

[@LeeRigby-ki1fd]

Where's her toolbox?

[@user-wn5us1ou6l]

Cover news india and Maldives

[@adrianlouw2499]

Yea yeah notice how you didn't turn off the comments for this one BBC...ahem Epstein ahem...

[@Homerun153]

Couple of quick questions in the race/colour debate: how many white South Africans dancers are in the various indigenous population dance groups in, for example, Soweto? How many white, non-Japanese people in the Imperial Japanese family?

[@yasmingbrock9530]

We are not talking about monocultures here. Ballet companies in multicultural democracies should represent the society, patrons and tax payers who fund them!

[@Homerun153]

​@yasmingbrock9530 OK, I 'expanded' the discourse to make a point, but if you missed that, so be it. Much as I love the arts, I do not wish to see any ballet dancer/opera singer/classical musician being over-promoted to tick boxes. Those of us who support and fund the arts want to see the best. I also follow track and field and in my own country there was a move to try to ban top athletes of African origin from competing in certain events because they "always win". Thankfully such nonsense was firmly squashed and those athletes who are very good but not quite Olympic/ World championship material have to live that.

[@yasmingbrock9530]

​@@Homerun153 I'd like to see the best of the best BIPoC classical dance talent the world has to offer. Unfortunately the white American director of The Australian Ballet won't invite any of them down here.

[@yuryvlasov8601]

There is a huge discrimination in ESCORT business against man.... How dare you...

[@starshine6472]

Oh my gosh, those scrunchy stilettos she's wearing are so bad for the body . . . as if pointe shoes aren't bad enough! 😧